It's hard to say if hearing the phrase one more time or hearing the consequences of said budget cuts is more likely to make a reader rage-cry these days.

I've been in Alaska for nearly eight years now. It's a land of plenty! We weathered the Great Recession! But now with low oil prices, oil tax scenarios that require an advanced degree and a graphing calculator and limited production of the Alaska economy's lifeblood, there seems to be only one thing on the minds of our legislators: Budget cuts!

After missing out on an opportunity to attend a star-studded fundraiser concert featuring Willie Nelson, I decided that when opportunities arise, I should take them, however weird the circumstances might be. So, when I got a text message that someone had recommended me to be on a reality television show set to film in Juneau, I ignored my gut instinct to stay very far away and called the woman seeking a couple willing to fake-buy a home.

Congratulations to everyone who has the opportunity to get married! Maybe I'm still in the honeymoon phase, but I think marriage is great.

I was in a rental car between Seattle and Redmond, Oregon, when former State Reporter Mark Miller texted me the news. Of course, things evolved over a few days as a stay was requested and talk of fighting the decision inevitably bubbled up, but I didn't allow that to stop me from feeling very happy for my friends who now have that same right I do. I'm looking forward to the wedding invitations.

On sunny days in the Empire newsroom we often open the doors to let in a cool breeze — but this afternoon we got a little more than fresh air — we got a live bird.

We often have crows perched along the railings of the two balconies with access to the newsroom. To my knowledge, today was the first day one of the birds decided he was too good for the balcony and ventured indoors.

Mod Carousel founder The Luminous Pariah, aka Seneca Harper, has returned to Juneau once again with his troupe of "boylesque" performers to entertain and enchant his favorite audience — his hometown.

Weekend one of Mod Carousel was a "Best of" blend from performances past, including an homage to Alaska living that features a couple stuffed salmon with a surprise in their bellies. It's vastly preferable to find a pair of sequined heels in our sealife than the typical bits of discarded plastic.

#YesAllWomen is a hashtag that started trending following the Isla Vista shooting, but it's not just about the shooting, or shootings in general, or those women — it's about the experiences of all women, regardless of age, race, class, location or any other factors. Yes, all women experience misogyny.

A lot has happened in the last few months, from that fateful email congratulating me on being a nominee for a GLAAD Media Award — What? How? OMG! — to returning to Juneau Monday evening with a 10-lb. award that will also grace the mantels of the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Laverne Cox, among many others.

I had woken up from a nightmare, earlier than normal for me, when I received an email that I was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award. Instead of going back to sleep, I obsessively read everything possible about the awards and nominees and grew increasingly excited. There was certainly a period of disbelief — how on earth did GLAAD even come across a series in the Juneau Empire?